Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

 Lake Tekapo

Spectacular Lake Tekapo is surrounded by golden tussock and snow-capped mountain landscape. The lake was originally a glacial valley and its stunning turquoise-blue colour originates from glacial sediment. There are two major glacier run-offs and six major rivers which run into the lake.

The glaciers have since retreated back to the valleys at the head of the lake, but are still clearly visible from the air and often accessible by four wheel drive vehicle.

Situated to the north of the Mackenzie Basin, the lake is 32 km long, 2000 feet above sea level, and 120 metres deep at its deepest part. There is one island in the middle.

The Maori are thought to have named the area Takapo after a small white berry that grows locally. The current name, Tekapo is possibly a corruption of Takapo. Lake Tekapo is situated in the heart of New Zealand's South Island.  It is approximately halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown and is close to New Zealand'd highest peak Mt Cook.  Whether it is winter or summer the area surrounding Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful in all New Zealand.

In 1855 James Mackenzie, a Scottish shepherd turned sheep stealer discovered the basin that now bears his name when he, with the help of his dog Friday, drove flocks of sheep inland to avoid being discovered. A bronze memorial to working collie dogs, such as Friday, was commissioned in 1968 by local farmers and now stands on the shores of Lake Tekapo near the Church of the Good Shepherd.

 

When you stay at Abbella Lodge we can organise a wonderful flight over Mount Cook.

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